It has been five long years since we’ve had a new Rock Band release from Harmonix. We were thrilled when it was announced back in the winter that the fourth generation of the popular franchise would be making its way to Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Along with that announcement came word of updated accessories, including a Band-in-a-Box bundle from Mad Catz with a Fender Stratocaster-inspired guitar.
So after five years, what does Rock Band 4 have in store for its loyal following? Aside from updated hardware, a new feature allows gamers to add their own “personal signature” on each song with freestyle guitar solos and drum fills. The game is set to ship tomorrow and we’re ready to tell you about our experience rocking out at home.
JBL first announced its new Xtreme Bluetooth speaker back in July alongside the revamped Flip 3. It is the largest and most expensive speaker in JBL’s portable Bluetooth lineup. As such, slim and quiet are not terms that we’d use to describe this new product. Instead, JBL has packed this speaker full of battery life and power to fill large spaces with sound while still remaining portable.
Read on for more details on JBL’s newest Bluetooth speaker.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a bit of a chronic worrier, so naturally I jumped at the chance to try out Tile’s Bluetooth item tracker. Billed as an easy way to keep track of the things that mean most to you, Tile is like having Apple’s Find My iPhone feature for your entire life. The original Tile tracker launched in 2013 on the back of one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns ever, having raised more than $2.6M.
Just last month Tile launched its second generation Tracker that’s pretty similar to the original, but is just different enough that it’s worth exploring. Stay tuned to find out if these new refinements make a real difference in helping you get your lost keys back… Expand Expanding Close
Monoprice has long been known as an excellent alternative to higher-priced electronics. After announcing its new action camera back in June, we spent some time playing around with it over the last month. With an included remote camera wearable and a price tag that is significantly less than GoPro’s lowest-priced entry point, we knew we had to check it out.
JBL has been tweaking and adjusting its Bluetooth line-up of speakers for years. Instead of coming out with completely new form factors every 12 months, it has subtly adapted its previous generations with improvements. Following a big week at IFA 2015, JBL has released the third generation Flip Bluetooth speaker. We’ve had our hands on the Flip 3 for the last few weeks and now it’s time to share our thoughts.
Portable grills are not a new thing, nor are they especially complex: if you’re looking to do basic tailgate-quality BBQing or Japanese-style yakitori grilling, you can achieve either goal for around $50 plus the $10 cost of charcoal, ignition fluid, and matches. What that will get you is a little fireproof box with a basic wire top, passive cooking features such as “adjustable air vents,” and no style.
Importing an award-winning design from Korea, a company called Homping USA is trying to change the face of portable grilling. Rather than selling a plain box with disposable parts, the Homping Grill ($199) is a 13″ circular grill with a washable 11.5″-diameter cooking surface. Available in silver with a black or orange base, it’s claimed to be “smokeless,” safe to touch, and easy to clean. A fan is built into the base so you can actively control the power of the charcoal fire inside, and a carrying bag is included for portability. After testing the Homping Grill, I had mixed feelings about its performance relative to much cheaper or peer-priced Weber portable grills, but some people may prefer its design regardless…
We first detailed the story behind Tucker and Bloom’s East to West Messenger Bag back in November of last year. Since then, the father and son team has continued to build out their brand with new stylings and updates to some older classics. Today, I’ll be taking a look at the newly released East to West XL Messenger Bag.
Aside from its Made in America backstory, I was particularly impressed with the level of craftsmanship on the smaller East to West offering. Head below to see if the updated and larger version passed our test.
So here’s the story: we recently featured a pretty sweet lighting company out of the northwest called A-Lamp Design. As I was putting together the article, I became entranced by the red power cords that Erol Chandler was using for his products. He tells me that a company called Conway Electric, also on the west coast, is cranking out these power supplies that put your average cord to shame.
Turns out, Conway Electric is doing all that and more. As one of the only UL Listed companies in North America (a very costly certification), Kevin Faul and his crew are making the type of power supply everyone wishes that they had under their desk. So he sends over Conway’s 12-foot Extō Dual-USB power source in mint with a red cord and I fell in love.
At one point, gaming headsets with microphones were reserved for the hardcore gaming enthusiasts that spent hours online at a time and craved the boost of a locked-in environment. Over the last few years, companies like Turtle Beach, SteelSeries and Razer have flooded the market with headset options at all price points. However, Xbox One users have settled in with one company in particular as the go-to for supplying top-notch audio for their gaming experience.
The Turtle Beach Elite 800X hit the shelves of retailers a few months ago, labeled as “the most advanced gaming headset ever”. That’s a lofty description, but with wireless connectivity, DTS 7.1 surround sound, custom audio profiles and luxury materials, we knew we had to see if this headset lived up to the hype. Expand Expanding Close
Ladies and gentlemen, what you are looking at is one of the most versatile point and shoot cameras on the planet. This is Sony’s RX 100 IV. It may be small, but don’t let its size fool you. There are a good amount of reviews that will give you every spec and detail about this camera, but I have one simple question: Is this the ultimate compact video/YouTube camera?
We see a lot of Bluetooth speakers come through for review that typically fall in the $50-$300 range, rarely topping a price mark higher than that. The question is: do higher priced models deliver a superior sound experience to justify spending two or three times as much other options?
Bang & Olufsen is known for its great sounding audio equipment that have beautiful designs but aren’t necessarily the most cost-effective for the average consumer. B&O released the Beolit 15 back in the winter as a new addition to its family of more affordable B&O PLAY audio products. After spending a few weeks with this Bluetooth speaker, it’s time to answer the question of affordability vs. quality. Expand Expanding Close
Since Apple Watch was released back in the Spring to varying degrees of fanfare, accessory companies have been rushing to develop and ship their own products for this new timepiece. There have been different levels of quality and styles that charge, hold or store Apple Watch. While the low-end market has been flooded with plastic charging solutions, we have not seen as many options that mix natural materials with Apple’s latest device.
Apple doesn’t make it easy to expand the storage of its mobile devices. This becomes a big issue when you start shooting HD videos and downloading Retina apps. Most people (especially 16GB device owners) wind up filling their devices to the point that they don’t have enough space to install updates. Over the past couple of years SanDisk’s Connect wireless flash drives have been one of the best ways to workaround this problem: they allow you to have access to huge media files whenever you want and to take as many pictures as you want without eating up precious on-board storage.
This morning SanDisk released its new Connect Wireless Stick. This drive has a refreshed design, lower price point and is now available with up to 128GB. I’ve been using it for the past few days. Read on to find out my first impressions of it: Expand Expanding Close
Update (7/18 7:30pm): @jamesthomasbyrd is our winner, thanks for entering the contest!
We have highlighted many talented companies, groups and individuals in our Small States series as the artisan subset of American manufacturers has seen a rebirth over the last decade. Not only are there quality goods being handcrafted on a daily basis from Brooklyn to Portland, people are changing their lives around just to pursue a passion of creating beautiful products with their hands.
Erol Chandler is no exception to this movement. After a career that has included two Master’s Degrees, a stint as a middle school science teacher and truck driver, it was time to start a new adventure. At thirty years old and armed with a lifetime of interest in making things by hand, A-Lamp Design was born in Oregon. Now, Erol is taking to Kickstarter to share his skills and bring a little light to everyone’s home. Expand Expanding Close
The Bluetooth speaker market is flooded, filled with options that promise “room-filling sound” or an ultra portable design that can still bring the noise. The reality is, often times those pledges are not fulfilled, leaving us with another speaker in the closet.
JBL’s latest releases, the Charge 2+ and Clip+, are both portable and splashproof Bluetooth speakers that also promise big sound in a small design. Over the last month, I’ve spent some time with both models and after a big July 4th weekend by the water, I’m ready to deliver a verdict. Expand Expanding Close
Mpow gave me their iStick Selfie stick last month and I’ve used it with a number of phones big and small. On the small side, I’ve tried the Moto E and iPhone 4s without a case. But the stick expands so big that it can take small tablets like the Samsung Mega. It is strong enough to hold an iPhone 6 with a big battery case (see image, top). The fit is tight and it can be swung around pretty violently without losing its grip on your device.
More importantly, it is designed so that when the phone isn’t attached, it can flip around and fit in your pocket when the telescoping arm is closed (so maybe you CAN sneak it into Disney World!). This is the big differentiator.
The Bluetooth connectivity is easy to set up on both iOS and Android and it easily connects to multiple devices. Once connected, a thumb push on the button snaps a picture using the phone’s native camera or 3rd party camera app.
The iStick includes a wrist strap to help prevent droppage and has 3 different color microUSB charging ports if you want to differentiate.
The only downside? It is a selfie stick. Call it a Mono-pod if you can’t bear it.
Update (6/27 12:15pm): @cheeyi is our winner, thank you for entering our giveaway.
Earlier this month, Grovemade announced the newest member of its desk collection: the Trackpad Tray. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with the Walnut rendition that wraps Apple’s Magic Trackpad in a beautifully crafted piece of wood. Grovemade has taken extra steps to deliver a one-of-a-kind American made home for one of our favorite Apple accessories.
Head below for all of our thoughts on the Trackpad Tray and to find out how you can win one for yourself. Expand Expanding Close
We first covered Kano back in the fall of the last year, detailing its rise from a Kickstarter campaign to a fully funded success story. Now, we’ve had the opportunity to spend a few months with the Raspberry Pi do-it-yourself computer kit. It has a simple design with young computer scientists in mind. By coloring all of the included peripherals, Kano has created a unique yet fun learning experience for children and adults alike. Expand Expanding Close
Update (6/18 11:45am): @kbranch is our winner – thanks to everyone for entering our giveaway!
With most Apple Watch orders finally being fulfilled, the accessories market for the new timepiece is beginning to take shape. We have already reviewed a handful of options for keeping Apple’s latest device charged and displayed. While these products offer unique solutions to power management, there is still room for developing this product category.
DODOcase, purveyors of handcrafted goods in San Francisco, is leaning on its talents to create a dock for Apple Watch and iPhone whether your on the road or at home. We’ve spent a few weeks with the Dual Charging Dock Organizer, head below for our full review and details on how you could win one for yourself. Expand Expanding Close
Update (6/6 11:30am): @andrewcurryla is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered our contest!
In case you forgot, Father’s Day is coming up quickly. With about three weeks to go, it is time to start seriously figuring out what you are going to get Pops this year. In hopes that you’ll skip the Amazon gift card for 2015, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite gear and toys that Dad is sure to love, plus a pretty nice giveaway too.
We’ve already told you the story of TM1985 – a company from Brooklyn that puts out meticulously crafted backpacks, travel and home goods. If Dad is into quality products that also have an exceptional story, then go no further than TM1985’s offerings this year. Our favorite product from Tielor McBride’s line is the Roll Top Back Pack.
Head below for more information, including our top picks for Father’s Day and how you can receive 25% off all TM1985 products or win a Roll Top Back Pack for yourself.
As we continue to cover companies that manufacture in the United States, a recurring theme has come forward. Many of these brands do not have the resources of larger companies, while that may have some downfalls, it also pushes them to think outside of the box and do more with less.
A lot of the products that we feature in Small States have a simplistic design that achieve the same goal as much more complex offerings. Generally, these solutions are more complementary of the minimalistic design found in many household products.
One Los Angeles-based startup that we recently came across is a wonderful example of this. Feltmark manufactures beautifully simple lights that manage to look stylish without much in the way of extras. It truly is an example of the “more is less theory” and today we get to share these products and give a few away as well: Expand Expanding Close
Back in January, I found myself becoming increasingly enamored with the idea of making bicycling a serious a hobby. A month later I was the proud owner of a Trek CrossRip hybrid bike, great for riding around town but also for longer trips through the country. As someone that enjoys technology, I quickly looked for ways to make my new hobby a connected experience.
There are a plethora of good apps for iOS that track and record your excursions. I found this to be particularly handy in keeping tabs on my progress as a rider. However, finding a safe, visible spot for my iPhone 6 during the ride proved to be more challenging. The beauty of having all of this data is somewhat lost when your phone is stored away during your ride.
Over the last month, I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time with iOttie’s new Active Edge Bike & Bar Mount, which places an iPhone or Android directly on your handlebars. Head below for my thoughts as well as an exclusive 30% coupon code. Expand Expanding Close
Update (5/2 12:00pm): @tweakmedia is our winner, thank you to everyone that entered the giveaway.
As Apple’s lineup continues to grow, more users are finding themselves using one device at home and one on the road. Because of that, we are seeing more home workstations in need of customization.
If you’re like myself, then an external monitor attached to a MacBook Air is the solution to this problem. The struggle of this setup is the height differential between each display. If you’re someone that sits at a desk all day, this is an issue that is certainly noticeable (and annoying!).
Grovemade, a Portland-based company, recently announced its own solution to this problem. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to work with the Walnut Laptop Stand. Head below for more details and to find out how you could win one yourself… Expand Expanding Close
Update (4/25 5:00pm): @sanders_voice is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered!
Last month journal-maker Moleskine released a new line of backpack and messenger bags. Since then, we’ve spent time with one of its newest products: the myCloud Smallpack in grey, which is designed for laptops up to 13-inches in size. This bag is a unique blend of compact design and high capacity storage.
Head below for full details on the myCloud Smallpack and details on how you could win one yourself… Expand Expanding Close
Update (4/18 11:00am): @oneniner is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered our contest!
Bluetooth-enabled headphones are making a run for your ears and it seems like every release is improving on a once dysfunctional and disappointing product category. What was previously defined by empty and unpleasing sound is now finding its stride as Bluetooth continues to improve. Much like any technology, its quality is only enhanced by the standard that guides it. Now is the time to begin considering Bluetooth headphones as a potential replacement for the classic 3.5mm standby.
Update (4/11 9:00am): @jimmiebjr is our winner – thank you to everyone that entered our contest, and for reading!
This is Ground has made another foray into the iPad accessory world, this time updating its Mod case with new styling and inserts. When we last featured the Los Angeles-based manufacturer, it was riding the success of its line of products meant to complement both professional and casual environments.
Since then, This is Ground has expanded and found more ways to bring together form and function into quality America made products. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the newly released Mod 2: Expand Expanding Close
There are a lot of reasons to be excited about Sling TV. Since it popped up in January just before CES, this streaming television service has been making waves throughout the entertainment world. Chances are if you watch television shows or movies, you’ve heard something about Sling.
Last month Dish brought its online streaming service to the Xbox One in an exclusive agreement that nets Live subscribers a one month free trial. The question is, does Sling bring enough to the table to make the Xbox One a complete solution to home entertainment? Expand Expanding Close
Update (4/4 11:45am): @iamcoxnow is our winner, thank you to everyone that entered this week’s giveaway!
Since we last visited with TM1985, the New York-based bag and accessory maker has continued to expand its line of products. This week, we’ll be taking a look at the Weekend Duffel, a new travel solution from TM1985 that aims to put a little more style in your luggage game. Expand Expanding Close
Update (3/28 12:15pm): @IAmTimBaker is our winner, thank you to everyone that entered our Grado giveaway!
Since Grado first announced its newest generation of in-ear headphones, we’ve spent sometime putting the GR10e’s through the paces. Starting at $299 for the GR8e’s and $399 for the 10e’s, these in-ear headphones come at a premium price in comparison to other options on the market. But the magic of the Brooklyn manufacturer is clearly evident in this latest iteration of in-ears. Expand Expanding Close
Update (3/21 12:00pm): @RVDT_ and @chrislazattack are our winners. Thanks everyone for reading!
In a world full of throw away materials, it’s easy to get caught up buying another plastic iPhone case. But Northern Indiana’s Carved is taking extra steps to deliver a one-of-a-kind home for your device. While we’ve covered the company’s more traditional iPhone cases in the past, today we are taking a look at its Live Edge series. Made of raw pieces of wood, from a variety of locations across the United States, these cases truly blend the line between device and nature. Even more, the cases are all one-offs which means that the one you select is truly an original.
Update (3/14 9:15am): @schellack wins the Grovemade Dock. Thanks everyone for reading and entering this week’s giveaway.
When it comes to Apple accessories, there are typically two options: materials that are designed to mirror the product and those are meant to complement that product in a different way. The former is typically anodized aluminum, plastic or a metal of some kind, while the latter has been trending towards natural materials like wood or fabrics. Personally, I love seeing natural materials complement modern electronics. There are so many companies manufacturing here in the United States that are taking advantage of the natural resources and skills here.
Back in January, San Francisco-based bag and accessory maker WaterField Designs announced its Bolt Briefcase. Since then we’ve had the opportunity to put the Bolt through its paces. Designed to be a professional alternative to the leather briefcases of old, this bag is for travelers and techies in need of a solution for multiple occasions.
Head below for our hands-on impressions and to learn how you could win this Bolt Briefcase.
Over the last few weeks, Gaming For Couples has spotlighted the best PlayStation 4 bundles, best Wii U bundles, and best Xbox One bundles — now we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming, looking at great games for couples (including gamers and non-gamers) to play together. This week, we’re featuring two very different titles: a retro game that even casual players will enjoy actively exploring, and the other a modern game more impressively cinematic than the movies that share its name. Each can be had for under $30.
There are some things you only appreciate once you become a homeowner. For me, Velcro cable ties are one of those things. I discovered them when I was looking for a way to clean up the rat’s nest of cables behind my Mac. Then something happened — I started using these ties for a little bit of everything.
They are incredibly simple. Just wrap the tie around some cables or any item, tuck one end through the hole on the opposite side, pull through, and the Velcro material handles everything else. It’ll cleanly attach to itself with little effort. It’s so simple, yet works so well.
I bought the 100-pack of 8-inch x 1/2-inch ties for just $5.99, which are specifically made for wrangling cables. They are so versatile it’s crazy. If it’s too long you can cut it to the perfect length or combine a bunch to tackle bigger projects. Either way it’ll attach to itself and secure any cable.
Aside from managing the many cables coming out of my Mac, I’m also using these ties to wrap loose cables from power adapters.
Call me over-cautious, but I don’t like using the built-in cable hooks on Apple’s MacBook Power Adapters. I’m not comfortable with how tight it has to be wound and how much force it puts on the cable. So I’m using a Velcro tie to keep my MacBook charger power cable under control when it’s not in use.
In the past I’ve used heavy duty nylon cable ties for similar tasks but most aren’t reusable. I also don’t love how rigid and borderline sharp these types of ties are. They’re fine for more durable items, but I like to handle my electronics with kid gloves.
Super Bowl XLIX will pit the Seattle Seahawks up against the New England Patriots. While ticket prices on the resale market aren’t as outrageous as you might imagine, they are still way beyond what a sane person would pay.
You can outfit your family room with a ridiculous HDTV for significantly less than the average ticket price for the big game. Not to mention the fact that you can invite all your friends over to watch with you and scoff down as much homemade buffalo chicken dip as you want.
As the last few Kitchen Tech columns on bar tools (part 1, part 2) and high-end coffee makers probably demonstrated, I’m a beverage obsessive — over the years, I’ve learned that great dining experiences are as much about what you drink as what you eat. The right beverage can actually improve your entire meal, and if it’s served in the right way, something as seemingly simple as wine or champagne can become the most memorable part of a night. There are great reasons to bring that sort of restaurant-quality experience home.
Today’s Kitchen Tech focuses on Wine Tools, including eight categories of items that range from mandatory to optional. Where appropriate, I’ll explain the benefits and issues of a bargain or higher-end option. To kick things off, I’m starting with something that’s highly optional and just starting to appear in some U.S. restaurants, a Spanish wine tool called a porrón. Read on…
Some wonderful things can be made entirely with your hands. Others — including fantastic cocktails — require tools. This week, we’re continuing our prior edition of Kitchen Tech on bar tools, focusing on items that will help you serve restaurant-caliber drinks at home. Last week’s column looked at “fundamental” tools and “good ideas.” Now we’re looking at “the fancy stuff,” special little items used by leading restaurants across the world.
Most of the tools in this week’s column aren’t expensive, even though many of them are being used by top bartenders inside and outside the United States. Below, you’ll find a collection of optional but seriously cool tools I’ve personally tested and found worthy of recommending, as well as details on why some are more optional than others.
Some wonderful things can be made entirely with your hands. Others — including fantastic cocktails — require tools. The topic for this week’s edition of Kitchen Tech is bar tools, specifically the ones necessary to make restaurant-caliber cocktails at home. Not just any restaurant and cocktails, mind you: we’re talking about making the very best cocktails from leading restaurants across the world.
Ready for the surprise? These tools aren’t crazy expensive. They’re actually some of the most affordable we’ve covered in Kitchen Tech, even though most of our choices are endorsed by top bartenders inside and outside the United States. Inside, you’ll find over a dozen different types of tools I’ve personally tested and found worthy of recommending, along with a few tips on why I didn’t pick some other options.
The home automation sector of consumer technology continues to grow and generally improve, as more devices gain “smart” functionality. We’ve seen a number of products enter the fray during Q4 of 2014, but it’s yet to be seen whether any one company is ready to bring it all together in a truly mainstream way. While we continue to wait on Apple HomeKit-compatible devices, we had the opportunity to spend some time with products from SmartThings, a Washington, DC-based company that promises an “easy, open and limitless” smart home experience.
iPads need stands. Whether you’re watching videos, long-form typing, or making FaceTime calls, it’s a chore to hold the iPad upright for extended blocks of time. To address that need, Apple launched the first iPad with regular and keyboard docks, but quickly gave up on them in favor of simpler folding lids called Smart Covers.
If you’re looking for an iPad stand or dock, you can do better than that. We know because we’ve tested lots of options for Apple’s tablets. Following up on our guide to iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus docks, we’re looking today at the very best of what’s out there for every iPad, covering four broad categories: simple portable stands, simple desktop stands, cases with integrated stands, and charging docks. Expand Expanding Close
When it comes to hauling around all your gear, bag designs are nearly limitless, spanning a wide range of designs for different tastes. One of my favorite parts of “working” for 9to5Toys is checking out all of the latest gear and accessories that are out there. Today we’re looking at an Australian bag that combines design and function effectively enough to make you really think about what you want to bring to the coffee shop. Let’s take a look at the Fitzroy Satchel from Toffee.
Early adopters get bragging points for being first to own new game consoles, but they’re only a small fraction of the consoles’ eventual user bases. That’s why game developers save their biggest titles until consoles’ second or third years – there are a lot more potential customers to buy their games. But there are always a few “killer” or “almost killer” games that show up just a little too early, only to get forgotten when the consoles hit their stride. There are also great games that get released with major, show-stopping bugs, then fixed and discounted heavily to bring gamers back. Since the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U consoles all had pretty incredible uptake due to Black Friday sales, we’re looking at some of their best forgotten or fixed games today. And they’re all being discounted, some enough to be impulse purchases.
Most iPad accessory makers work tirelessly to design a product that echoes Apple’s signature design. Griffin and Rail Yard Studios’Rail Artifact Stand does the opposite. Instead of melting away during use, its one of a kind design not only stands out, but in my opinion, steals the spotlight. Just as its name indicates, the Rail Artifact Stand is made from authentic early 1900’s railroad pieces. From pitted steel to worn edges, every stand shows its history in a unique way… Expand Expanding Close
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7r–vMuoVo?rel=0]
These tech essentials will not only help you survive college life, but maybe even help you land a spot on the Dean’s list (no promises). Even though the majority of our top picks are geared towards college students living in a dorm, we think they can help students of all ages.
All of the recommendations below have been shaped by my experiences while attending a four-year private University.
Entertainment
The fall is not only back to school season, but also home to the baseball playoffs and the start of the football season. MLB.TV is expensive and NFL Sunday Ticket is a hassle. We recommend a Sling Media Slingbox to keep tabs on your favorite sports teams while away from home. The all-new SlingBox M1 was just released and is the most affordable Slingbox ever at just $149.99.
Xbox One and PlayStation 4 may be the flashy options for dorm room gaming, but we recommend saving a few bucks and opting for an Xbox 360 or Wii U. The Xbox 360 has a huge back catalog of awesome games that are now priced to move. Plus, some next-gen games (like Mortal Kombat X), will also be available on 360 and PS3. The Wii U has had a rough run, but party games like Mario Kart 8 and the upcoming Super Smash Brothers make it an excellent choice for dorm room hang sessions.
Skip Blu-ray and DVD. The players will take up prime TV stand real-estate and it’s a hassle to find the movie you’re looking for and then physically pop it in a player (I know, first world problems). Instead, go with a Roku 3/streaming stick or Apple TV to stream your media from Netflix (free trial), Hulu Plus (free trial), and iTunes.
It’s perfectly OK that listening to Norah Jones Spotify radio (student discount) helps you study, but don’t be that guy and play it out loud. A nice pair of headphones are key for school. If your budget allows it, then definitely upgrade to a set of noise-cancelling cans, like the Bose QC15, to drown out any background noise. Bust out a larger portable Bluetooth speaker like the Logitech UE BOOM (review) or Jawbone’s Big JAMBOX (review) when it’s time to party.
Sony has now unleashed the PlayStation 4 out into the wild, and now it’s Microsoft’s turn. The Xbox One releases tonight with various special live launch events starting at 11pm tonight on Spike TV, Xbox.com and Xbox Live.
As per usual, several retailers will be open tonight across the country at midnight for the launch including Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and Microsoft Stores. Along with some of the most insightful Xbox One reviews from around the web, we’ve put together some handy information below for those looking to grab one tonight…
Just-Mobile is an award-winning design company behind some of the best accessories for your iPhone, iPad, Mac and other gadgets. We’ve taken a look at several of their products in the past and always came away thoroughly impressed with the build quality and thoughtful designs of these items.
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the UpStand for iPad, which is a ‘high-style’ iPad stand with a focus on design and function. You can find several low-cost tablet stands all over Amazon and eBay and those may do the trick for some people, but there’s also those who appreciate accessory makers who take the time to design products that complement their Apple gear. Just-Mobile is that company. Keep reading to see if the UpStand lives up to our lofty expectations…
9to5Toys Best Of highlights the best products we’ve ever used, and those products we personally find useful in our own lives. These are the best of the best.
RHA designs and engineers their audio products in Britain and prides themselves on honing in on the small details of a product and making them great. Prior to testing their headphones, I had never heard of RHA (they’re a division of Reid Heath Ltd.), but the fact that Apple retail carries their products coupled with their sharp industrial design made me want to check them out.
As quick as Apple can give me new set of headphones with each iDevice, I somehow find a way to misplace, break, or water (OK, sweat) damage them. I am assuming many of you are just like me in that regard and, as such, prefer a pair of solid earbuds under the $50 mark. At first glance, it seemed that the RHA M350 noise-isolating aluminum headphones would the fit the bill, so I decided to give them a test drive.
Samsung has not only been explosive in the smartphone market, but the South Korean-based company also continues to succeed in an area where it has long dominated: the television set. Samsung has broken ground before in several areas, but now it is putting a new television out on the market that embodies all the newest technologies in the HDTV space. Priced at hefty $9,500 and up, the Samsung UN75ES9000 is a 75-inch HDTV with all the bells and whistles: 240Hz, 3D, Wi-Fi, pop-out web cam, and more to combine top-specs with huge-screen real estate. Usually large-screened sets like this one tend to compromise specs for size, so this is definitely an interesting approach for those for whom money isn’t much of an object.
Now you see it, now you don’t
Announced in July and with initial availability in August, the Samsung UN75ES9000 features a 1,920-by-1,080 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 35000000:1 dynamic contrast, three HDMI ports and USB ports, and various other connections like wireless and Ethernet (not to mention full 2D and 3D). It is wall mountable and ships with the stand, just for your living room.
Beyond the massive hardware, the ES9000 features Samsung’s Smart TV software that includes various apps and an easy-to-browse user interface for customers. On the Smart Hub, Samsung made available apps that allow customers to get access to content through services like Hulu Plus, YouTube, vudu, Netflix, and other digital content providers. Additionally, Samsung added a social layer via Twitter and Facebook to enable online discussion “all on one screen sharing.” To benefit applications like Skype, Samsung included a built-in camera that Samsung claims to be “hidden” when not in use. For the audiophiles in the crowd, Samsung also included its DNSe (Digital Natural Sound engine) that enhances sound to cater to user’s presets. Not enough? Samsung throws in a gesture controlled Angry Birds game with more gesture controlled features to come.
Note Samsung’s pride in this TV in the video below.
The price is obviously a little steep. But, for the television geeks out there, this television seems to be nothing short of amazing. While larger 4K televisions are beginning to hit the market priced at $20,000 and beyond, you can find the Samsung ES9000 reasonably priced well south of the $10,000 retail price.
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